BLAZE: Enemies to Lovers College Hockey Romance by Eddie Cleveland (ebook reader macos .txt) 📕

a good night, Blaze.” He walks away from me, not looking back or waiting for my response. He’s said what he wanted to say. Now he wants to see my actions change, from his words.

I slide my hands in my coat pockets and remember that my phone was buzzing earlier when my hand brushes against it. I pull it out and see there are two messages waiting, both from Prissy.

Prissy: Mom wants you to join us for dinner tomorrow.

Prissy: will u?

Player’s words are still ringing in my ears, but I focus and text her back.

Me: Sorry to leave you hanging. Was talking to Player

If I’m judged on my actions, Prissy’s mother must have some fucking thoughts after me walking in on her naked. And that was after Prissy and I woke her up with our loud, alcohol-soaked sex. It might be the first impression, but it doesn’t have to be the final impression. I can get a do-over, right?

Me: Yes. I’ll be there.

23

Olympic High Jumper Priscilla

The food isn’t here yet. Blaze isn’t here yet. Mom and I sit in the living room... waiting on both. She’s got her legs stretched out across the sofa. I prefer the leather wingback chair. It looks so formal and stuffy, but I think it’s the comfiest spot in the house.

I check the time on my phone, again. Nothing is wrong. No one is late. So why am I so…

“Nervous?” My mother tucks a strand of silver hair behind her ear. I like that she stopped dyeing it a few years back. My entire life I’ve heard that women get old and men get distinguished. She has shown me that there can be beauty and grace in aging. Silver hair and wrinkles don’t change that.

“No.” I deny the truth, but there’s no lying to my mother. It’s been just the two of us forever. Except for a few years when I was a teenager, secrets have never been a big thing between us.

“Uh huh. Don’t worry, if seeing me naked didn’t phase him, this little dinner won’t scare him away.” She smiles at me.

“Oh, God. Why would you bring that up?” My red cheeks and head shaking just make her laugh harder.

“It’ll be fine,” she reassures me. “I like this one, Priscilla. He’s not your usual type.”

“I don’t have a type.”

“Pfft. Yeah you do. Those little dweeby men that all look like they work in IT and think a fedora is dressing up.” She makes no effort to hide her judgement. “Blaze seems like the opposite of them. A big, masculine, swinging-dick-alpha kind of guy.”

“Mom,” I groan. There are times that I wish we were a bit less open with each other. This is one of them.

“What? I’m happy for you.” I can see it’s true. There’s a glimmer of hope in her eyes that I’ve never seen. It makes me uncomfortable.

“Well, don’t get too attached,” I warn her. “We’re not serious.”

“No? Are you seeing other guys?” Mom isn’t known for her strong boundaries.

“No.”

“So, he’s seeing other girls?” She looks less impressed by that option.

“Uh, no.” At least, I don’t think so.

“Sounds pretty serious to me. So, what’s the problem?” She looks like she’s trying to read my thoughts by staring into my head. She’s analyzing my silence.

How am I supposed to explain Blaze to my mother? His drinking, the drugs, the endless parade of girls. All the things he’s been cutting back. All the things he’s been giving up. He’s already shown me how much he can change, so what am I afraid of? After working for an alpha-type boss who got me fired for avoiding his swinging dick, I think I’ve gotten cautious.

“Don’t shut yourself off to possibilities, Priscilla.” Mom seems to read my mind. “Boundaries are great…”

“Oh my God like you’d know.” I laugh. Mom does too.

“Fair.” She tilts her head. “I’m just saying if you put up walls, it’s not just pain you keep from your heart. It’s all the good stuff too.”

“Are you supposed to give out advice you’d never take?” I lift an eyebrow.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

My phone dings and buzzes at the same time, like it’s excited to hear from someone.

Blaze: Papa Griz is dropping me off, be there in 5 :)

I send him a thumbs up emoji back. It doesn’t accurately represent the explosion of nerves in my stomach, but sending a bunch of butterflies back wouldn’t make sense.

Mom is still watching me, waiting for me to explain myself. “Dad left when I was six, Mom. I’m just saying, I don’t see you opening your heart to anyone, and it’s been almost twenty years.”

“I’ve gone on dates,” she scoffs.

“Yeah, you have. But you won’t open your heart to anyone. Sounds like you could take your own advice.”

“I know.” It doesn’t feel good to watch her struggle to keep the sadness off her face. “Well, I know it’s every girl’s dream to be a carbon copy of their mom.” She winks at me.

“I could do a lot worse.”

“Take it from someone on the other side of that wall. It gets lonely. I just want you to be happy, hun.”

“I know, Mom. I want that for you too.”

Tap, tap, tap. The knock on the door is polite and unobtrusive. It makes me wonder if the pizza beat Blaze here. “I’ll get it.” I head to the entryway.

“Ok,” Mom answers and disappears into the kitchen.

“Oh, it’s you.” I didn’t expect it to be Blaze.

“I just texted you.” He seems confused by my confusion.

“Yeah, I know. Come in,” Blaze takes off his winter clothes and wraps his arms around me. Pulling me in close until I can feel his breath on my earlobe. He whispers,” You look fucking sexy. Wanna give me a private tour of the place before dinner? Maybe we could start with your bedroom?”

“Behave,” I murmur.

I wish we had the privacy to run up to my room and get naked. It’s difficult enough that Hector House is off limits, but my